In many ways, the Powerball is seen as a secondary or lesser competition to the Lotto draw. With an R145M once off prize, though, the financial winnings say otherwise.

Phanda Pusha Playing really worked out fantastically well for the South African man who won a whopping R145m on the last Powerball draw. While Lotto and Powerball winners are normally (and rightly) rather secretive, this winner’s ticket story is proof that sometimes luck really does come through at the right time.

Powerball winners: R145m in the bag

Last Friday’s Powerball draw was not just a shit ton of money, but also on record as the biggest Powerball jackpot in history.

National lottery operator Ithuba Holdings have revealed that one man claimed the entire prize after getting in contact telephonically on Monday.

“It was not easy to make the call [to claim the winnings]‚” Thabo said‚ Telling TimeLIVE that he found out on Saturday afternoon that he was about to be rather rich. “I needed to properly digest it and accept that my life has changed‚” he added.

The winner left things rather late after only arriving at Ithuba’s office on Tuesday morning.

The winning numbers were 1,15, 23, 24, 35 with a Powerball of 4.

The public relations manager for Ithuba ,Naledi Masopha, has since confirmed to eNCA that wins of this magnitude require psychological councilling, due to the upheaval that comes with it all.

“Because it is such a significant amount that has been won‚ the person would need to get in touch with us and as soon as they get to the offices of the national lottery‚ they would be offered financial advice and some psychological assistance as well. As you can imagine‚ R145-million is a lot of money and a life-changing thing as well.”

To win the full jackpot, players have to match five numbers as well as the Powerball. You can either play by visiting one of your local Lotto outlets or by downloading the app online.

A ticket costs R5 per line, making the mystery man’s win on an R20 ticket even more special. Lucky numbers or a couple of quick picks? South Africa will probably never know.

In May last year, one Gauteng granny also turned a R20 lotto ticket into tasty winnings. While not quite R145m, she is still enjoying her R25m.